Many homeowners want their construction projects handled adequately and completed within the schedule. Some homeowners do not even want to wait until the concrete has been properly set, and in some instances need the services of a concrete repair service provider. But for a proper structure to be built and completed, you need to make sure that the materials and the construction are within the projections. A homeowner should know the precautions to avoid future costly damage from bad weather.
High or low temperatures are serious problems when it comes to concrete installations. High heat can cause rapid curing, but extreme cold can lengthen the curing process and weaken the concrete. Many construction projects often work during the summer but often start concreting during the cooler times of the day. Adding chemicals, such as calcium chloride, could speed up the curing process during the cold weather. Here are some of the things you should consider when installing concrete in your building projects.
1. Placing concrete on frozen ground.
If you have concrete structures placed on the frozen ground, it might result in an uneven placement. Eventually, the ground will thaw, and the concrete layer will settle unevenly. This makes it vulnerable to cracking. Furthermore, cold water underneath could permeate through the entire layer, interfering with its overall structure. This makes it weak and susceptible to cracks soon after the work is complete. Make sure to install concrete only when the snow or ice has thawed out completely.
2. Sealing when it’s too cold.
After the concrete has cured, sealing it is essential. Most contractors will take it upon themselves to do the sealing. But even when sealing could provide many benefits, it can also hurt your concrete work when it’s done when the temperatures go down. Often, the type of concrete helps you know the minimum temperatures at which you can seal it.
3. Using cold building materials.
It’s not only the concrete and the ground that should be warm, but the other materials in the installation should have no ice. The area must be clean of debris or snow before the concrete is placed. It’s best to ask the advice of concrete placement and repair service contractors for your construction projects. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to determine the best time when concrete work must be done.
Concrete installations are a vital part of any construction or building project, but a contractor should know the best time and season to install concrete. You can hire a concrete placement contractor as part of your project, so you’ll know they’ll do the job well.
But if you must carry out concrete work yourself, it’s crucial that you do it after the winter season. But if you do not have the luxury of time, it’s best to follow these recommendations so your concrete installation will be strong and durable. Consider the expertise and skills required so you could assess whether you can complete the project on your own. But to get the best results, you need to hire experienced concrete contractors to complete your building project.